We all seem to be getting excited, some more than others and I suspect all with some caution, about our transfer dealings so far. We are told, usually by those smelling of garlic, that these signings are not inspiring, journeymen,untried or kids who would not get into teams around us, that may well be true, so why are we getting so excited? In my humble opinion, apart from the obvious excitement new signings always bring, well unless its Kugie or whatever he was called, I think we Sunderland die hards see one thing happening that brings us hope and excitement. We know that last season and TBH for a few seasons we have suffered badly through injuries, yes, a reliance on one player in Bent, yes, some talented players who had to work so hard that it diluted their talent but above all, IMO, a lack of that combination of team/guts/committmet and never say die. We have I think in Cattermole, Colback, Bardsley, Bramble and maybe a couple more some players who will fight to the death but injuries, lack of consistency or both diluted their affect. I believe the players we have brought in all share those winning qualities and will forge that team we have badly missed. The famous if hurtful 5-1 showed us all what was missing, I donât think we were outplayed or out classed, we didnât play to be out anything, we jut did not turn up and Newcastle, in both games did. The man for Newcastle who gave them that edge, by Newcastle fans own admission was probably their least talented player, Nolan. He did not score most of his goals through skill or talent he scored them by busting a gut to make sure he was there to connect, a journeyman. I honestly believe that our signings show this spirit but also show more skill than Nolan, a powerful combination indeed. With the possible addition of the Man U three or even one or two of them it will further add to this spirit. Now spirit is not enough, we also need skill and quality and our new signings have that but by working, pushing and creating it takes the pressure of Gyan and Sess to enable them to show their quality. I still think we could well have a surprise in store and I think we will add to the quality side but if we donât buy one more player, and we will, I think the fighting qualities alone have moved us forward. That why I have been pissed off over the past few days with the constant flow of well meaning, in some cases, opinions from outside our Sunderland family, I have no interest in their opinions so all they do is become an irritant. That last comment will no doubt bring two shouts so I will answer them both before they are shouted. But you ask us to come with threads asking about us, no we did not. Cest wrote an article with a title that cried out, I am fishing for mags to abuse, they bit and were abused and were welcome to stay on that thread, and they have, to be abused. Just donât go where you are not invited. You only want people who agree with you, no we donât. In Cest, Bill and MR we have three people who I disagree with a lot but enjoy reading their views, why, because we disagree on method but agree totally on outcome, we want what is best for Sunderland. Yes, I know, I have just given them a reason to visit but maybe with the strike over they will all be signing on or back at school.
To be honest Syd, I like the fact that Bruce is mostly doing what we want him to. Re: Ngog we all said if he is cheap back up then he would be fine, if he wants a big pay packet forget him and Bruce did that. Most of us wanted Bruce to move faster on transfers to get the players in now: he has done just that. Most of us wanted to avoid dealing with Spurs: I can't see us buying any of their players this year. They are in trouble as no-one wants to buy from them and they need to sell before they can buy. We all said the side needs balance and it looks like Bruce is addressing that. That's what excites me, Bruce seems to be thinking like we do and if thats the case we might be in for a nice surprise. Quinn himself said we wont make a big signing until August remember? I estimate Bruce has 60 million to spend: Bent, Hendo money. I also expect us to sell Steed and Gordon. remember Reid is also off the wage bill now. Then there is an amount from season tickets and sky money. so far Gardner 6m Ji Dong Won 2m Wickham 8m That's a total of 18m There is still plenty of money in the pot for transfer fee's. Bruce's biggest problem is going to be the wage bill so I expect a couple more lesser signings on smaller wages and then 1 big name. Several big ish names means several big wages. 1 big name means 1 big wage, which adds up to less in the long run. Financially I think Bruce is saving the transfer fee's by going for free's etc so he can sign 1 big name and break our current transfer record. I have not got a clue who that is going to be but its exciting times.
I don't think we will break our transfer record tbh but I would be happy to be proved wrong providing it's for the right player. After all the midfielders we've signed can't see us putting a late bid in for Messi now like!
